Greetings.
The second portion of the Talkin' S-Mac blog debuts today. Sitting pretty at 5-1. Smiling as we head into the bye. I figure that now is an ideal time to launch the portion of the blog that will carry us into the NFL Draft.
What you will find below is not something that I have pulled from a Mel Kiper draft site nor is it something that is snipered from another web site. While in season, I will not comment on a college players draft stock unless I've seen him play. My good buddy, Stack, assists me in my scouring of top collegiate talent.
Below, you will find how I would rank the collegiate players at the respective position. Only Juniors and Seniors will be posted the "Who Are You Watching Now?" portion...after all, this section is designed to assist in the determination of who we want the Packers to select come draft time. These rankings will most likely change as the Draft approaches.
QB:
1.) a. ) Brian Brohm, Sr, Louisville
b.) Andre' Woodson, Sr, Kentucky
c.) Matt Ryan, Jr, Boston College
4.) John Booty, Sr, USC
5.) Dennis Dixson, Sr, Oregon
6.) Colt Brennan, Sr, Hawaii
Others: Chad Henne, Sr, Michigan, Erik Ainge, Sr, Tennessee, Patrick White, Jr, WVU, Brandon Cox, Sr, Auburn, Brian Hoyer, Jr, Michigan St., Matt Flynn, Sr, LSU
RB:
1.) Darren McFadden, Jr, Arkansas
2.) Steve Slaton, Jr, WVU
3.) Mike Hart, Sr, Michigan
4.) Jonathan Stewart, Jr, Oregon
5.) Tashard Choice, Sr, Georgia Tech
6.) Rashard Mendenhall, Jr, Illinois
7.) Ray Rice, Jr, Rutgers
8.) Felix Jones, Jr, Arkansas
9.) Justin Forsett, Sr, Cal
10.) James Davis, Jr, Clemson
Others: Javon Ringer, Jr, Michigan State, Cory Boyd, Sr, South Carolina, Jacob Hester, Sr, LSU, Kevin Smith, Jr, Central Florida, Chris Johnson, Sr, East Carolina, Thomas Brown, Sr, Georgia
WR:
1.) DeSean Jackson, Jr, Cal
2.) Early Doucet, Sr, LSU
3.) Adarius Bowman, Sr, Oklahoma State
4.) Mario Urrutia, Jr, Louisville
5.) Keenan Burton, Jr, Kentucky
6.) Malcolm Kelly, Jr, Oklahoma
7.) Harry Douglass, Sr, Louisville
8.) Mario Manningham, Jr, Michigan
9.) Jordy Nelson, Sr, Kansas State
10.) Devin Thomas, Jr, Michigan State
11.) Aaron Kelly, Jr, Clemson
12.) Jaison Williams, Jr, Oregon
13.) Darius Reynaud, Jr, WVU
14.) Kenneth Moore, Sr, Wake Forest
15.) DJ Hall, Sr, Alabama
Others: Kenny McKinley, Sr, South Carolina, Marcus Monk, Sr, Arkansas, Maurice Purify, Sr, Nebraska, De'Cody Fagg, Sr, FSU, Lavelle Hawkins, Sr, Cal, Robert Jordan, Sr, Cal, Andre Caldwell, Sr, FL, Lance Leggett, Sr, Miami, Eddie Royal, Sr, Virginia Tech, Brandon Tate, Jr, North Carolina.
TE:
1.) Fred Davis, Sr, USC
2.) Martin Rucker, Sr, Missouri
3.) Travis Beckum, Jr, Wisconsin
4.) Martellus Bennett, Jr, Texas A&M
5.) Chase Coffman, Jr, Missouri
Others: Jacob Tamme, Sr, Kentucky, Chris Brown, Sr, Tennessee
FB:
1.) Owen Schmitt, Sr, WVU
DE:
1.) Calais Campbell, Jr, Miami
2.) Derrick Harvey, Jr, Florida
3.) Quentin Groves, Sr, Auburn
4.) Tyson Jackson, Jr, LSU
Others: Wallace Gilberry, DE, Alabama, Johnny Dingle, Sr, WVU, Darrell Robertson, Sr, Georgia Tech
DT:
1.) Glenn Dorsey, Sr, LSU
2.) Sedrick Ellis, Sr, USC
3.) Terrence Taylor, Jr, Michigan
4.) Fili Moala, Jr, USC
5.) Marlon Favorite, Jr, LSU
6.) Andre Fluellen, Sr, FSU
Others: Keilen Dykes, Sr, WVU
LB:
1.) Geno Hayes, Jr, FSU
2.) Keith Rivers, Sr, USC
3.) Dan Connor, Sr, Penn State
4.) Xavier Adibi, Sr, Virginia Tech
5.) Vince Hall, Sr, Virginia Tech
6.) Rey Maualuga, Jr, USC
7.) Ali Highsmith, Sr, LSU
8.) James Laurinaitis, Jr, Ohio State
9.) Jasper Brinkley, Sr, South Carolina
10.) Darry Beckwith, Jr, LSU
11.) Ben Moffitt, Sr, South Florida
12.) Philip Wheeler, Sr, Georgia Tech
13.) J Leman, Sr, Illinois
14.) Tavares Gooden, Sr, Miami
15.) Darnell Ellerbe, Jr, Georgia
Others: Shawn Crable, Sr, Michigan, Wesley Woodyard, Sr, Kentucky, Jonathan Casillas, Jr, Wisconsin, Deandre Levy, Jr, Wisconsin, Aaron Curry, Sr, Wake Forest, Larry Grant, Sr, Ohio State
CB:
1.) Antoine Cason, Sr, Arizona
2.) Aqib Talib, Jr, Kansas
3.) Terrell Thomas, Sr, USC
4.) Malcolm Jenkins, Jr, Ohio State
5.) Chevis Jackson, Sr, LSU
6.) Brandon Flowers, Jr, Virginia Tech
7.) Mike Jenkins, Sr, South Florida
8.) Mike Mickens, Sr, Cincy
Others: Trae Williams, Sr, South Florida, Glenn Sharpe, Sr, Miami, Jonathan Zenon, Sr, LSU
S:
1.) Kenny Phillips, Jr, Miami
2.) Craig Steltz, Sr, LSU
3.) Marcus Griffin, Sr, Texas
4.) Thomas Decoud, Sr, Cal
5.) Tom Zbikowski, Sr, Notre Dame
6.) Michael Hamlin, Jr, Clemson
7.) Bobbie Williams, Sr, Bethune Cookman (OK, I have yet to see him in game film. I've seen his highlights on the news down here. He's been in the paper as well. They say he is much like Nick Collins except he plays the ball better in the air.)
Others: Tony Joiner, Sr, Florida, Roger Williams, Sr, Florida State, Eric Wicks, Sr, WVU
That's all for now. Let me know who I missed. I've yet to see a lot of Ohio State on the offensive side of the ball. They seem to be in run mode when I turn them on. I've yet to see a bunch of Texas and Oklahoma as well. Missouri has also escaped me. OK, I'm light on Big 12, but that is why I've got Stack. I have not seen as much Big 10 as years past either. Michigan has passed by me for the most part as well. I don't know there defense as well as years past. I've only seen portions of the Michigan-Penn State game. I don't know Notre Dame very well. I'm short on UCLA. I don't know Casper Brinkley very well either. Please help with anything else I need to get my hands/eyes around.
Cheers,
Talkin' S-Mac.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
My Take - Week 6
Greetings.
I am not going to lie, the Bear game hurt. In fact, it took me - as a fan - 32 hours to recover from the devastation. Sunday was the most frustrating Packers game since the '04 playoffs when Randy Moss fake mooned the crowd.
The Packers dominated the first half. They were in control. James Jones learned a lifelong lesson. Welcome to the NFL, kid. DeShawn Wynn, drink more fluids during the week. Before the game, DeShawn, rub ice on your wrists, on the back of your neck and behind your knees. We are the youngest team in the league and our youth showed. Furthermore, our youth was exposed from a Coaching Standpoint.
In 1996, I quit my job. I went to watch the Packers practice every morning. Every afternoon. I was convinced that the Packers were going to win the Super Bowl. That year - I went to 16 games (if you include preseason, regular season, playoffs and the Super Bowl). I also wrote my first "My Take" in 1996. In that Take, I nicknamed Favre the "Spirit Sniper." My reasoning was that Favre creates the ultimate Football buzz. Every game he plays in - he will Sniper someone's Spirits. Thankfully, the large majority of the time, Favre has been the Sniper of the oppositions Spirits rather than the Sniper of the Packers Spirits.
Against the Bears, Mike McCarthy was the Packers "Spirit Sniper." In the first half, Favre was impeccable. Unstoppable. If not for two terrific plays by Tillman, the Packers would have led by 20 points. Instead, they led by 10. The game was still in control. On the first Packers possession of the second half, the Packers passed for 13 yards on a screen to Wynn. They followed suit with three run plays for 6 yards and a 37 yard FG.
The defense gets a stop.
First down. The Packers run.
Second down. The Packers run.
Third down. For the first time since the final possession of the first half of Week 2, the Packers run a roll out pass. The last time we ran the roll out was against the Giants. Favre was sacked. This time - against one of the fastest defenses in the NFL - we roll Favre out. We know what happened.
The Bears score.
On the ensuing possession. Three carries. Eight yards. And the Packers are punting.
Mike McCarthy took the air out of the Packers sails. With 6 minutes left in the third quarter, the Packers held a 4 game lead over the Bears through aggressive football. We were attacking McGowan. He did not stand a chance. McGowan was not involved again until the Hail Mary on the last play of the game.
We can make excuses that Jennings was hurt and Jones was benched. Regardless, against the Vikings the week before, Ruvell Martin was running by defenders. Against the Giants, he did the same. Mike McCarthy was the "Spirit Sniper."
Nonetheless, the Packers should stand tall after 5 weeks. We are 4-1. We hold a one game lead in the NFC North. And the Redskins are coming to town in a must win game. Yes, this game is a MUST win. Right now, the vision is winning the Division.
The Redskins will be the best team that the Packers have faced all year. They will also be the most physical team that we faced thus far. We must rebound immediately. We have to bounce back with a vengeance. Energy abound.
The Redskins will bring more pressure than we've seen this year. Andre Carter is a speed rusher. Cornelius Griffin, if healthy, mans the inside of the defensive line. Philip Daniels is playing the best ball of his career at DE. Marcus Washington is one of the most underrated LB in the NFL. London Fletcher and Rocky McIntosh are true professionals, assignment ready and ready to force a mistake. Shawn Springs, Carlos Rogers, and Fred Smoot provide the 'Skins with 3 strong CB's. And LaRon Landry and Sean Taylor makes the best young S core in the NFL. Points will be a premium.
On the other hand, the 'Skins offense is suspect. Yes, they are getting Santana Moss back. Randle El and Portis are always fast and dangerous. Betts is coming off his best year. Cooley is an emerging TE. Sellers is a powerful FB. But, I do not believe in Jason Campbell. I know that he's coming off a big game. But, he's in for a rude awakening this weekend.
This game will be similar to the Eagles game in Week 1. A pound it out game. Each yard will be a struggle. Field position will be crucial.
I fully expect our Defense to play their best game. Soon, we will put 60 minutes together on the defensive side of the ball. Soon, one of our CB's will have their 1st interception of the year. Soon, AJ Hawk will decide to join the '07 Season. Soon, Nick Collins will make a game changing play. Yes, all of these will happen this year. Why wait?
The Redskins will attack Favre with all that they can throw. Gregg Williams, the Defensive Coordinator for the Redskins, does a good job of disguising blitzes. They will get pressure. But, this week, the Packers will protect the football. This week, we win the turnover battle.
Favre snipers the spirits of the Redskins. He relies on Driver. Donald flashes his grin. Beaming with excitement. It's Driver going over 100 yards. It's Donald Driver signaling first down. It's Donald Driver lifting the vibe of Lambeau to monumental heights. It's Donald Driver, the veteran, bringing Momentum back to Green Bay.
Special Teams performs. J-Bush limits Randall El on punt returns. Mason Crosby adds two FG's.
Green Bay 20. Washington 16.
Let's enjoy a bye week and 5-1.
Look good. Feel good. Play good.
Cheers,
Talkin' S-Mac.
P.S. I encourage anyone who believes in the G-Force...anyone who feels that they are a part of Packer Nation....this week, I encourage you to pour yourself a drink before this game...make it Vodka...make it strong...take those happy vibes up a bit...get yourself removed of any remaining negativity. Positive vibrations will lead to positive results.
I am not going to lie, the Bear game hurt. In fact, it took me - as a fan - 32 hours to recover from the devastation. Sunday was the most frustrating Packers game since the '04 playoffs when Randy Moss fake mooned the crowd.
The Packers dominated the first half. They were in control. James Jones learned a lifelong lesson. Welcome to the NFL, kid. DeShawn Wynn, drink more fluids during the week. Before the game, DeShawn, rub ice on your wrists, on the back of your neck and behind your knees. We are the youngest team in the league and our youth showed. Furthermore, our youth was exposed from a Coaching Standpoint.
In 1996, I quit my job. I went to watch the Packers practice every morning. Every afternoon. I was convinced that the Packers were going to win the Super Bowl. That year - I went to 16 games (if you include preseason, regular season, playoffs and the Super Bowl). I also wrote my first "My Take" in 1996. In that Take, I nicknamed Favre the "Spirit Sniper." My reasoning was that Favre creates the ultimate Football buzz. Every game he plays in - he will Sniper someone's Spirits. Thankfully, the large majority of the time, Favre has been the Sniper of the oppositions Spirits rather than the Sniper of the Packers Spirits.
Against the Bears, Mike McCarthy was the Packers "Spirit Sniper." In the first half, Favre was impeccable. Unstoppable. If not for two terrific plays by Tillman, the Packers would have led by 20 points. Instead, they led by 10. The game was still in control. On the first Packers possession of the second half, the Packers passed for 13 yards on a screen to Wynn. They followed suit with three run plays for 6 yards and a 37 yard FG.
The defense gets a stop.
First down. The Packers run.
Second down. The Packers run.
Third down. For the first time since the final possession of the first half of Week 2, the Packers run a roll out pass. The last time we ran the roll out was against the Giants. Favre was sacked. This time - against one of the fastest defenses in the NFL - we roll Favre out. We know what happened.
The Bears score.
On the ensuing possession. Three carries. Eight yards. And the Packers are punting.
Mike McCarthy took the air out of the Packers sails. With 6 minutes left in the third quarter, the Packers held a 4 game lead over the Bears through aggressive football. We were attacking McGowan. He did not stand a chance. McGowan was not involved again until the Hail Mary on the last play of the game.
We can make excuses that Jennings was hurt and Jones was benched. Regardless, against the Vikings the week before, Ruvell Martin was running by defenders. Against the Giants, he did the same. Mike McCarthy was the "Spirit Sniper."
Nonetheless, the Packers should stand tall after 5 weeks. We are 4-1. We hold a one game lead in the NFC North. And the Redskins are coming to town in a must win game. Yes, this game is a MUST win. Right now, the vision is winning the Division.
The Redskins will be the best team that the Packers have faced all year. They will also be the most physical team that we faced thus far. We must rebound immediately. We have to bounce back with a vengeance. Energy abound.
The Redskins will bring more pressure than we've seen this year. Andre Carter is a speed rusher. Cornelius Griffin, if healthy, mans the inside of the defensive line. Philip Daniels is playing the best ball of his career at DE. Marcus Washington is one of the most underrated LB in the NFL. London Fletcher and Rocky McIntosh are true professionals, assignment ready and ready to force a mistake. Shawn Springs, Carlos Rogers, and Fred Smoot provide the 'Skins with 3 strong CB's. And LaRon Landry and Sean Taylor makes the best young S core in the NFL. Points will be a premium.
On the other hand, the 'Skins offense is suspect. Yes, they are getting Santana Moss back. Randle El and Portis are always fast and dangerous. Betts is coming off his best year. Cooley is an emerging TE. Sellers is a powerful FB. But, I do not believe in Jason Campbell. I know that he's coming off a big game. But, he's in for a rude awakening this weekend.
This game will be similar to the Eagles game in Week 1. A pound it out game. Each yard will be a struggle. Field position will be crucial.
I fully expect our Defense to play their best game. Soon, we will put 60 minutes together on the defensive side of the ball. Soon, one of our CB's will have their 1st interception of the year. Soon, AJ Hawk will decide to join the '07 Season. Soon, Nick Collins will make a game changing play. Yes, all of these will happen this year. Why wait?
The Redskins will attack Favre with all that they can throw. Gregg Williams, the Defensive Coordinator for the Redskins, does a good job of disguising blitzes. They will get pressure. But, this week, the Packers will protect the football. This week, we win the turnover battle.
Favre snipers the spirits of the Redskins. He relies on Driver. Donald flashes his grin. Beaming with excitement. It's Driver going over 100 yards. It's Donald Driver signaling first down. It's Donald Driver lifting the vibe of Lambeau to monumental heights. It's Donald Driver, the veteran, bringing Momentum back to Green Bay.
Special Teams performs. J-Bush limits Randall El on punt returns. Mason Crosby adds two FG's.
Green Bay 20. Washington 16.
Let's enjoy a bye week and 5-1.
Look good. Feel good. Play good.
Cheers,
Talkin' S-Mac.
P.S. I encourage anyone who believes in the G-Force...anyone who feels that they are a part of Packer Nation....this week, I encourage you to pour yourself a drink before this game...make it Vodka...make it strong...take those happy vibes up a bit...get yourself removed of any remaining negativity. Positive vibrations will lead to positive results.
Saturday, October 6, 2007
K-Rob, Back in the House?!?
Green Bay's Robinson could be reinstated next week
Friday, Oct 5, 2007 10:56 am EDT
Getty Images
Citing a league source, Profootballtalk.com reported Green Bay Packers receiver Koren Robinson expects to hear within the week whether he'll be reinstated after a one-year suspension for multiple violations of the league's substance-abuse policy.
Robinson's suspension arose from a DUI arrest that followed a high-speed car chase while Robinson was with the Vikings. According to the source, Robinson is eligible to return as of October 17.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
G-Force Acknowledged at Lambeau!
LAMBEAU FIELD G-FORCE ‘FAN FLURRY’ SET TO WELCOME BEARS SUNDAY NIGHT;
T-SHIRTS AND POMPOMS TO BE DISTRIBUTED
Lambeau Field’s G-Force will add a new element Sunday night as the division rival Bears will be welcomed to an energized crowd donning white G-Force T-shirts distributed at the gates.
G-Force is a new program that recognizes Packers fans for their longtime support and loyalty, and emphasizes the electric gameday atmosphere the fans provide for the players.
More than 72,000 shirts, each with the G-Force logo on the front and the phrase “fan flurry” on the back, will be distributed to each person coming through the gates. White pompoms will be distributed as well. The combined effect of the two items should ensure the crowd will be in a white frenzy.
Fans also are encouraged to wear their own white apparel as well to enhance the effect.
“Our fans are simply the best, so the G-Force ‘Fan Flurry’ T-shirts and pompoms should be an opportunity for everyone to have some fun with it and really energize Lambeau Field,” said Craig Benzel, Packers director of marketing. “There is no doubt the Lambeau Field crowd makes a difference during games, and you can count on them to continue that effort against the Chicago Bears on Sunday night.”
Other in-stadium components feature the unveiling of the G-Force banner prior to the player introductions. The team also will show its appreciation for G-Force all season long with gameday giveaways.
A G-Force resource is available online at www.packers.com/fan_zone/Gforce. All aspects of the G-Force program will be posted and updated regularly.
Ricky Williams Rumors
Barry Jackson from the Miami Herald reports:
"Word is Ricky Williams, who applied for NFL reinstatement Monday, has been living in Boston the past few months and meeting regularly with a therapist for counseling on life issues. He rejected a proposal to do a reality show but is mulling an offer to do a yoga video. He hopes to generate interest from, in particular, Tampa Bay, Green Bay, Dallas, Houston, or New England, assuming Miami dumps him."
Does anyone know when to expect a decision from Roger Goodell? I have not followed this story as closely as I could have and I'm curious as to when he would be eligible to potentially return. Please inform.
Cheers,
Talkin' S-Mac.
"Word is Ricky Williams, who applied for NFL reinstatement Monday, has been living in Boston the past few months and meeting regularly with a therapist for counseling on life issues. He rejected a proposal to do a reality show but is mulling an offer to do a yoga video. He hopes to generate interest from, in particular, Tampa Bay, Green Bay, Dallas, Houston, or New England, assuming Miami dumps him."
Does anyone know when to expect a decision from Roger Goodell? I have not followed this story as closely as I could have and I'm curious as to when he would be eligible to potentially return. Please inform.
Cheers,
Talkin' S-Mac.
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
My Take - Week 5
Greetings, G-Force.
In the South, we say, "Off yur ass! On yur feet!" This week, Lambeau will follow these sentiments.
Packers 4-0. Bears 1-3. This Sunday, throw the records in the trash. When these two teams battle, records are rubbish. The fans must make a difference. G-Force must rise to heightened levels...in unison!
I equate this weeks importance to that of the MNF thriller vs. the 49ers in '96 and the thrashing of the Cowboys in '97. Lambeau has waited a decade for this game. Sunday signals the opportunity to takeover reign. In '96, the Packers faced the 49ers in a game that pointed towards home field advantage in the '96 playoffs. In '97, the Packers squared off in a battle with the Cowboys that mentally compared to a Super Bowl. This game is more than the Chicago visiting Green Bay. This contest is going to be played under the lights of majesty. Sunday is about taking back what is rightfully ours - the NFC North Crown. If we want it back, we've got to win it back. This battle is about finalizing the Bears season as Road Kill. For two years, the Bears have planted their flag in the hearts of the NFC North. The Bears have walked into Lambeau and came away victorious three years in a row. This Sunday is about punishing revenge. On Sunday, the Packers regain command and ownership of the NFC North.
I imagine a beautiful night on Sunday. An October crispness to the air. It's Fall. It's Football Season. Al Michaels and John Madden providing analysis. It's Lambeau under the lights. The greatest rivalry in all of sports. Once again, we will witness a vintage Brett Favre performance against the Bears. After all, our strength is their weakness. The Bears secondary is beat up as Vasher, Tillman, Brown, Paine and Archuleta are all dinged up.
WAIT!
Not so fast...
This is the Bears at the Packers. Definitely not a smooth victory. In this rivalry, there are no surprises. We know each others strengths. We know each others weaknesses. In recent years, Bernard Berrian has been getting deep on the Packer defense. To Lovie Smith's credit, he has attacked the depth of the Packers' secondary. Smith has achieved great results. He's going to attack J-Bush this weekend. He's going to go after him deep. Frankly, it would not surprise me to see J-Bush be both goat and hero at one point. I can see him getting beat deep. I can also see him grabbing an interception.
This much is for certain - Griese will take his shots deep. The Bears believe that Berrian can create mismatches. J-Bush will be put to the task. Benson will pound away with little success which puts the ball in Griese's hands...advantage - Green Bay.
The Bears get the ball first. The Packers avoid Hester at all costs. Squib kick. Right away, the Bears attack the Packers deep. Benson's stopped at the line. G-Force rises. Bears punt.
Then, it's Favre. Surgical in his approach. Classic #4. Favre to Driver for 10. Favre to Donald Lee over the middle for 14. Favre to James Jones for 6. Favre to Franks for 5 more. Favre to Jennings for 8. The Bears try to counter with the Blitz. The Packers guess right! Over the top of the defense, Favre to Wynn on the screen into the open field...
The Packers strike first.
The Bears battle. In true Bear fashion, they short change the Packers. 4 yards here. 5 yards there. Picking up third and short. The Bears put points on the board.
Favre plays safe. 3rd and long. The Packers play the field position game. Dump the ball. Not forcing anything. Then, we punt the ball out of bounds. Hester will not beat us.
Our defensive front 4 wins the line of scrimmage. Jenkins, Jolly, Pickett, Kampman dominate run downs. Corey Williams and KGB find Griese on pass downs. Hawk, who played his best game of the year last week until the face mask penalty, makes his first play of the season. The defense is flying around the field. Nintendo Nick elevates the crowd. Chuckie has a bounce in his step. The Rastas are hair weaving, face smiling as the Bear offense is stuck in their tracks. Road Kill.
Favre goes back to work. Displaying his entire arsenal in front of the National Audience. The quick hitters to Driver. Like a kid on Christmas, enjoying his new toys he connects with Jennings and Jones multiple times. Morency on the screen. Wynn in the flat. Hall as the safety valve. Each play, it's about positive yards. The Bears bring the pressure. The Packers are in max protect. Single coverage to the outside. The slant to Jennings. 6 points for Green Bay.
In the end, the Packers are the more physical team. The Packers are forcing turnovers. The Packers win the field position battle. The Packers are the better team. Green Bay 27. Chicago 16.
G-Force, this week will take patience. It will not be easy. It'll be frustrating at times. We're anxious. We've been salivating for this one since New Year's Day. Moreover, we've waited 10 years for this one. Pump up the volume. Get "off yur ass! On yur feet!"
I look forward to your thoughts. Please share.
Go Pack Go!
In Favre We Trust,
Talkin' S-Mac.
Shout it with me: BEARS STILL SUCK! BEARS STILL SUCK! BEARS STILL SUCK!
In the South, we say, "Off yur ass! On yur feet!" This week, Lambeau will follow these sentiments.
Packers 4-0. Bears 1-3. This Sunday, throw the records in the trash. When these two teams battle, records are rubbish. The fans must make a difference. G-Force must rise to heightened levels...in unison!
I equate this weeks importance to that of the MNF thriller vs. the 49ers in '96 and the thrashing of the Cowboys in '97. Lambeau has waited a decade for this game. Sunday signals the opportunity to takeover reign. In '96, the Packers faced the 49ers in a game that pointed towards home field advantage in the '96 playoffs. In '97, the Packers squared off in a battle with the Cowboys that mentally compared to a Super Bowl. This game is more than the Chicago visiting Green Bay. This contest is going to be played under the lights of majesty. Sunday is about taking back what is rightfully ours - the NFC North Crown. If we want it back, we've got to win it back. This battle is about finalizing the Bears season as Road Kill. For two years, the Bears have planted their flag in the hearts of the NFC North. The Bears have walked into Lambeau and came away victorious three years in a row. This Sunday is about punishing revenge. On Sunday, the Packers regain command and ownership of the NFC North.
I imagine a beautiful night on Sunday. An October crispness to the air. It's Fall. It's Football Season. Al Michaels and John Madden providing analysis. It's Lambeau under the lights. The greatest rivalry in all of sports. Once again, we will witness a vintage Brett Favre performance against the Bears. After all, our strength is their weakness. The Bears secondary is beat up as Vasher, Tillman, Brown, Paine and Archuleta are all dinged up.
WAIT!
Not so fast...
This is the Bears at the Packers. Definitely not a smooth victory. In this rivalry, there are no surprises. We know each others strengths. We know each others weaknesses. In recent years, Bernard Berrian has been getting deep on the Packer defense. To Lovie Smith's credit, he has attacked the depth of the Packers' secondary. Smith has achieved great results. He's going to attack J-Bush this weekend. He's going to go after him deep. Frankly, it would not surprise me to see J-Bush be both goat and hero at one point. I can see him getting beat deep. I can also see him grabbing an interception.
This much is for certain - Griese will take his shots deep. The Bears believe that Berrian can create mismatches. J-Bush will be put to the task. Benson will pound away with little success which puts the ball in Griese's hands...advantage - Green Bay.
The Bears get the ball first. The Packers avoid Hester at all costs. Squib kick. Right away, the Bears attack the Packers deep. Benson's stopped at the line. G-Force rises. Bears punt.
Then, it's Favre. Surgical in his approach. Classic #4. Favre to Driver for 10. Favre to Donald Lee over the middle for 14. Favre to James Jones for 6. Favre to Franks for 5 more. Favre to Jennings for 8. The Bears try to counter with the Blitz. The Packers guess right! Over the top of the defense, Favre to Wynn on the screen into the open field...
The Packers strike first.
The Bears battle. In true Bear fashion, they short change the Packers. 4 yards here. 5 yards there. Picking up third and short. The Bears put points on the board.
Favre plays safe. 3rd and long. The Packers play the field position game. Dump the ball. Not forcing anything. Then, we punt the ball out of bounds. Hester will not beat us.
Our defensive front 4 wins the line of scrimmage. Jenkins, Jolly, Pickett, Kampman dominate run downs. Corey Williams and KGB find Griese on pass downs. Hawk, who played his best game of the year last week until the face mask penalty, makes his first play of the season. The defense is flying around the field. Nintendo Nick elevates the crowd. Chuckie has a bounce in his step. The Rastas are hair weaving, face smiling as the Bear offense is stuck in their tracks. Road Kill.
Favre goes back to work. Displaying his entire arsenal in front of the National Audience. The quick hitters to Driver. Like a kid on Christmas, enjoying his new toys he connects with Jennings and Jones multiple times. Morency on the screen. Wynn in the flat. Hall as the safety valve. Each play, it's about positive yards. The Bears bring the pressure. The Packers are in max protect. Single coverage to the outside. The slant to Jennings. 6 points for Green Bay.
In the end, the Packers are the more physical team. The Packers are forcing turnovers. The Packers win the field position battle. The Packers are the better team. Green Bay 27. Chicago 16.
G-Force, this week will take patience. It will not be easy. It'll be frustrating at times. We're anxious. We've been salivating for this one since New Year's Day. Moreover, we've waited 10 years for this one. Pump up the volume. Get "off yur ass! On yur feet!"
I look forward to your thoughts. Please share.
Go Pack Go!
In Favre We Trust,
Talkin' S-Mac.
Shout it with me: BEARS STILL SUCK! BEARS STILL SUCK! BEARS STILL SUCK!
Monday, October 1, 2007
After One Quarter...
Undefeated in September. Having fun. United. Defining of a team.
A massive applause is due for McCarthy. The team has a winning attitude. A bounce in their step. And once again, the Packers are playing for the love of the game.
Each week, it's been someone new making the game changing play. Week 1, it's J-Bush forcing a fumble in which Tracy White wrestles the ball for 6 points. It's Barnett picking off a pass. Johnny Jolly knocking down passes. It's J-Bush fighting for the loose ball at the bottom of the pile which sets up Mason Crosby's game winning FG.
Week 2, it's Favre simply being Brett connecting with 8 different receivers. Ryan Grant set's up our first score. DeShawn Wynn finds a seam in the Giants defense. Korey Hall catches two screen passes for first downs that set up a Bubba Franks TD. Donald Lee and Donald Driver find the end zone as well. Tramon Williams shifts field position into the Packers favor. Charlie Peprah causes a fumble, which Tracy White recovers. Corey Williams picks off a pass.
Week 3, it's Favre again being Brett as he connects with 8 receivers again. Pitch and catch with Driver, Franks, and Greg Jennings catching TD passes. Driver tops 100 yards. It's KGB with 1.5 sacks and Nick Barnett sealing the game with the interception that sets up a Brandon Jackson TD.
Week 4, it's Favre, once again, being Brett! #4 finds 10 different receivers. Spreading the defense. Ruvell Martin gets down the field. Jennings finds paydirt for #421. James Jones gets the first TD of his NFL career. Crosby drills 3 FG's. Jon Ryan elusively sidesteps Viking tacklers. Ryan Pickett plays his best game with 5 tackles and his first sack of the season. KGB steps up with 2 more sacks. Kampman makes his presence felt with continuous pressure. He also recorded a sack. Cullen Jenkins knocks down two passes that get us off the field. Atari Bigby forces a fumble that Johnny Jolly picks up. Bigby also clinches the game with an interception.
Each week - it's someone new. It's a different player. It's a team game. We've operated as a team. Our leaders have led. The team has responded.
We are not without weakness. Offensively, we must learn to run the ball. As the weather turns, we'll have to be able to pick up yardage via the ground. I'm not asking for us to become a stellar running team. I'm just looking for us to become average. Why is Michael Turner dying on the SD bench right now? Shouldn't he be running for the Green & Gold right now? What does it cost? We'll give up a 4th rounder and Colin Cole - do we have a deal?
Defensively, the deep ball scares me. Teams are getting us in man-to-man coverage and the safety has been late. We've dodged bullets a couple of times this year and remain vulnerable. We must make this defensive adjustment immediately.
On Special Teams, while Chuckie has done an admirable job of catching the football and running forward without losing possession, I think that Willie B. provides an electric dynamic that we are missing on special teams. He has game breaking potential. We need to get rid of the cast and get the youngster returning punts and changing games for us.
We're 4-0 with room for improvement. My Take comes tomorrow.
Trod On, G-Force!
Cheers,
Talkin' S-Mac.
A massive applause is due for McCarthy. The team has a winning attitude. A bounce in their step. And once again, the Packers are playing for the love of the game.
Each week, it's been someone new making the game changing play. Week 1, it's J-Bush forcing a fumble in which Tracy White wrestles the ball for 6 points. It's Barnett picking off a pass. Johnny Jolly knocking down passes. It's J-Bush fighting for the loose ball at the bottom of the pile which sets up Mason Crosby's game winning FG.
Week 2, it's Favre simply being Brett connecting with 8 different receivers. Ryan Grant set's up our first score. DeShawn Wynn finds a seam in the Giants defense. Korey Hall catches two screen passes for first downs that set up a Bubba Franks TD. Donald Lee and Donald Driver find the end zone as well. Tramon Williams shifts field position into the Packers favor. Charlie Peprah causes a fumble, which Tracy White recovers. Corey Williams picks off a pass.
Week 3, it's Favre again being Brett as he connects with 8 receivers again. Pitch and catch with Driver, Franks, and Greg Jennings catching TD passes. Driver tops 100 yards. It's KGB with 1.5 sacks and Nick Barnett sealing the game with the interception that sets up a Brandon Jackson TD.
Week 4, it's Favre, once again, being Brett! #4 finds 10 different receivers. Spreading the defense. Ruvell Martin gets down the field. Jennings finds paydirt for #421. James Jones gets the first TD of his NFL career. Crosby drills 3 FG's. Jon Ryan elusively sidesteps Viking tacklers. Ryan Pickett plays his best game with 5 tackles and his first sack of the season. KGB steps up with 2 more sacks. Kampman makes his presence felt with continuous pressure. He also recorded a sack. Cullen Jenkins knocks down two passes that get us off the field. Atari Bigby forces a fumble that Johnny Jolly picks up. Bigby also clinches the game with an interception.
Each week - it's someone new. It's a different player. It's a team game. We've operated as a team. Our leaders have led. The team has responded.
We are not without weakness. Offensively, we must learn to run the ball. As the weather turns, we'll have to be able to pick up yardage via the ground. I'm not asking for us to become a stellar running team. I'm just looking for us to become average. Why is Michael Turner dying on the SD bench right now? Shouldn't he be running for the Green & Gold right now? What does it cost? We'll give up a 4th rounder and Colin Cole - do we have a deal?
Defensively, the deep ball scares me. Teams are getting us in man-to-man coverage and the safety has been late. We've dodged bullets a couple of times this year and remain vulnerable. We must make this defensive adjustment immediately.
On Special Teams, while Chuckie has done an admirable job of catching the football and running forward without losing possession, I think that Willie B. provides an electric dynamic that we are missing on special teams. He has game breaking potential. We need to get rid of the cast and get the youngster returning punts and changing games for us.
We're 4-0 with room for improvement. My Take comes tomorrow.
Trod On, G-Force!
Cheers,
Talkin' S-Mac.
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